PLANS to improve people’s teeth and gums have been launched across Kirklees.

A scheme, run by Kirklees Primary Care Trust, hopes to spread education on the dangers of eating too much sugar and on smoking and drinking alcohol, which can cause mouth cancer.

The plans also aim to reduce health inequalities in the region and to encourage dental practices to follow the British Dental Association’s code of good practice.

The PCT launched the plans at Healds Hall Hotel, Liversedge, where 37 dental practices were presented with certificates of achievement.

Claire Priestley, the PCT’s primary care contracts manager, said the certificates acknowledged hard work and commitment to excellent ways of working and regular attendance at PCT-organised monthly training sessions by the practices.